Rumored to be director, Steven Soderbergh’s final cinematic endeavor, SIDE EFFECTS, is a fitting but, complexly intricate swan song that concludes the long and illustrious career of the man who put the indie film genre in the conscious mind of the mainstream. With a screenplay written by Scott Z. Burns, this story is so deeply entrenched with twists, that just as you sense the film may be nearing its end, it takes yet another dramatic, wild turn. The original music created here by Thomas Newman is moody yet synthesizes harmoniously with the shifting pace.

To say anything is to say too much. As the intensity fluctuates, a shift in protagonist follows suit. What begins as a satirical observation of the dubious practices of the pharmaceutical industry takes a sharp detour and transforms into a well-crafted and highly suspenseful journey about perceptions. Relish in the powerful performances by Rooney Mara and Jude Law. They are two of the reasons why the film is so great. You will also get a kick out of the character played by Catherine Zeta-Jones. She is deliciously wicked out of her comfort zone (something she should do a little more often). Channing Tatum is affable and the great eye candy he has become known for on screen. Word-on-the-street has it that at one time, Justin Timberlake was up for his role as well as Lindsay Lohan being considered for Rooney Mara’s part. So glad all involved came to their senses as anything other than this cast is hard to imagine being as splendid.

Make no mistake, this is a Steven Soderbergh production from beginning to end. He is also the film’s editor and cinematographer, although in the credits for these two roles he uses the pseudonyms, Mary Ann Bernard and Peter Andrews, respectively. Crafty to the final frame! It is hard to believe that a talent of this caliber is walking away from the big screen forever. But, perhaps what we are really seeing is a man’s need for a change in direction (pun intended) and taking control of his life to make it happen…something that we all could experience a little more of in our own lives. And, we, as loyal viewers, can only hope that this is merely a brief reprieve and not a final goodbye. Either way, if you are a Soderbergh fan, this thriller is for you.

Based on the historic 19th century French novel written by Victor Hugo, this is the cinematic adaptation of the long-running, multi-award winning musical phenomenon known as Les Miserables. With a screenplay collaborative by William Nicholson, Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schonberg and Herbert Kretzmer and directed by Tom Hooper, the film steps into a world of splendid wonder hard to achieve on the theatrical stage.

Musicals as a genre have long been considered a relic from the past, however, director Tom Hooper, manages to breathe new life into this melodic, celluloid rendition. Utilizing skillful long shots, intense, dramatic close-ups and stunning CGI (Computer Generated Images), Les Miserables, the film, is an impressive feat.

The cast were required to sing live (which also allows them to improvise their singing patterns) as well as act. Expect to be blown away by Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Eddie Redmayne (who knew he had a voice as well as presence??). Great performances are also given by Russell Crowe and Amanda Seyfried but Sasha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter raise to every occasion and steal most of their scenes as well as bringing some lighter much needed comic relief. Although it clocks in at just over 2.5 hours, it is an enjoyable journey rich with historical anecdotes and social references that remain relevant in modern society.

In this video review, today’s host, Carmen Mathis, sits down with panelists, Ilene Rosen and Debra Kirschner at Mojito Cuban Cuisine in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, New York, to discuss this award-winning and riveting thriller. They also review the science fiction online short, True Skin, which is written and directed by Stephan Zlotescu.

Zero Dark Thirty is based on the events that led up to the stealth capture and killing of Osama bin Laden in 2011. Directed by Academy Award winner, Kathryn Bigelow, with a screenplay written by Mark Boals, it is a powerful and gripping renactment of this ten year pursuit which is not to be missed.

The science fiction online short, True Skin, offers a vision of life in the not-too-distant future where being human is not is enough. Shot in Shanghai, China, it is written and directed by Stephan Zlotescu. This six minute version currently on view is rumored to be in the early stages of transforming into a major motion picture. Check it out online now at True Skin and remember when.